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Change of release date with apologies. If you have already pre-ordered this ebook direct, you do not have to do anything. The ebook will still be delivered to your inbox via Payhip & BookFunnel upon release.
Description
For centuries ten ruling Houses have governed the people of the Friven Empire. They have maintained order by brutal force, ensuring their place as ruling Elites. But things were not always this way. There was once another House. It held the balance of power, ensuring peace among the empire. Until its members vanished. Over time, people forgot they ever existed. The Elites thought they had eradicated all descendants of the bloodline.
They were wrong.
Aribeth Forraine, the last surviving member of the exiled Eleventh House, is about to rise from the ashes to claim her Kin Rite, and she's not alone. With her army of outcasts, she will bring the empire to its knees. Her first target is the cold-hearted emperor, Caleb the Black. The only problem is Caleb is not who he appears to be.
Content Warning: Brawny alpha males, and feisty heroines. Not suitable for people under 18. It contains mature content.
Sample Preview: The Eleventh House: Friven Empire Book 1 © 2025 Elina Emerald
PROLOGUE
8040 C.E. - Medic Station, Outer Quadrant, Friven Empire
Dr. Cassia Aureum was sorting medical supplies in her office when angry voices outside broke the quiet.
"I need to see Dr. Cassia. It's urgent," someone said desperately.
"No appointment, no entry," her assistant replied coldly. "Your people need to learn the rules."
"I won't waste time arguing with a bigot."
Through the translucent wall, Cassia saw a woman with dark skin and short black hair walking toward her door. Her regulation bodysuit under a special cloak marked her as a trainee from the Order of Seers.
Cassia opened the door. "Priya? What's wrong?"
"Mother Predictor sent me." Priya's eyes moved nervously. "We need to talk privately."
"Lady Aureum!" her assistant protested. "Rules say we can't treat her kind without appointments—"
"Make another insulting comment about my patients," Cassia interrupted, "and you'll be cleaning waste systems." She sealed the door and turned on the privacy shield. "What's so urgent?"
"Mother Predictor had a vision. Imperial soldiers are marching toward House Unitas. The death decree has been issued against Councilor Theon." Priya lowered her voice to a whisper. "I'm here to get you and your son to safety."
Cassia's heart pounded. "That's impossible. We're one of the eleven ruling houses. Death decrees are never issued against us."
"Mother's visions are never wrong. Your husband will be declared a traitor today. Imperial forces are already heading here with orders to kill on sight."
Cassia tried her communication device. No response. She tried again with encryption. Nothing. "The signal's being blocked."
"There's more. Any child carrying the electrum gene must be killed." Priya and Cassia glanced at baby Jai sleeping peacefully in his crib, his amber eyes with golden flecks hidden behind closed eyelids, the unmistakable mark of House Unitas.
Without hesitation, Cassia began packing supplies. An urgent alert on her communicator broke the tension.
"All hail the emperor," she answered.
"Cass, it's me."
Cassia's pulse quickened. "Theon, thank the suns. I've been trying to reach you."
"I don't have much time." His voice was strained. "Is Jai with you?"
"Yes. But Theon, there's someone here—"
"Listen carefully, sweetheart. You need to take Jai to our special place right now." Their code phrase for extreme danger.
Cassia's blood turned cold. "What's happening?"
"I accessed forbidden data in the archives..." Shouting erupted in the background, followed by weapon fire. His breathing became harsh. "Sweetheart, they've broken into my chamber. I love you and Jai more than life itself. Never forget that. Make sure to recharge his favorite toy."
"Theon! Wait... Theon!" Cassia whispered urgently.
A cold voice spoke in the background: "Councilor Theon, you have been deemed a traitor under the Rikali Act. You and all who carry the Unitas bloodline will be eliminated."
There were sounds of fighting, energy weapons firing, glass breaking, then Cassia heard Theon shout, "Run, Cass, run!" Then the connection died.
"Theon!" she screamed, losing all control.
Priya had already gathered the baby. "We must leave immediately."
Cassia shook, her mind breaking under the shock. "I don't understand. Why is this happening? I... I didn't get to tell him I loved him." Her voice cracked as panic threatened to overwhelm her.
Priya set down the baby carrier and gripped Cassia firmly by the shoulders. "Look at me," she commanded. "Councilor Theon is dead. The purge has begun. Your only concern now is making sure the Unitas bloodline survives." She checked her device and cursed. "I'm sorry to tell you, doctor, but imperial forces have killed nearly all House Unitas members. Their advance teams have reached this facility."
Cassia remembered Theon's final words about Jai's toy. She reached up to a shelf and grabbed what looked like a standard power cell. Opening it, a data crystal fell out. "Theon, what did you discover?" she whispered, clutching the crystal to her chest as she gathered her pack with supplies.
Heavy boots thundered outside. A voice demanded to know Dr. Cassia's location.
Priya pulled out a small weapon from under her cloak and aimed it at the far wall. The air shimmered as a portal appeared.
"You have a matter transporter?" Cassia asked in disbelief. "Non-citizens are forbidden from using such technology."
"This one was… borrowed. I've changed its signature and erased all tracking."
"But that's punishable by death."
"Then I'll make sure I'm never caught," Priya replied.
Soldiers began breaking through the door's security. Priya pulled Cassia and Jai through the portal just as it collapsed behind them. As they traveled, the atmosphere compressed around them, creating a vacuum sensation as freezing energy carried them through space.
They reappeared in a lush forest bathed in purple light. Crystal-like snow drifted from the sky toward an amazing mountain that disappeared into clouds.
Priya led them to an ancient gate made of rare metal. She typed in a sequence of codes and the gate swung open then sealed automatically behind them. A large door appeared in the crystal rock face. Priya raised her hand, tracing ancient symbols across the black surface. Glowing writing appeared across the wall, pulsing with inner light.
Priya spoke words in a language Cassia's translator couldn't understand. Before her eyes, the door dissolved, revealing an entry way to a vast underground city full of life and architecture unlike anything in imperial records.
"What is this place?" Cassia whispered, as they stepped through and descended a ramp.
"A sanctuary for the gifted non-citizens who preserve the ancient ways."
"Who are these gifted ones?" Cassia asked, her voice barely audible.
"The Faal, Berwaran, Ingenian, Zerloni, and Ethryan. This is where we nurture and protect the powers of Varu."
Cassia looked at the hidden city with growing wonder. "But practicing the old arts outside approved areas is punishable by death."
Priya made a dismissive sound. "Your empire makes laws we refuse to follow. Imperial citizens are forbidden here except for you and your son."
"Why make this exception?"
"Mother Predictor's vision revealed more than I first told you."
"What else did she see?" Cassia asked carefully, still reeling from shock yet unable to deny what was before her.
"She witnessed centuries of war, ending in the empire's fall and the beginning of a new age."
Cassia shook her head in disbelief. "That's impossible. The empire has existed since before recorded history, established when the three suns first aligned. What does this have to do with my family? With Theon?" Her voice broke as fresh tears ran down her cheeks.
"Mother saw the empire fall at the hands of someone bearing the electrum gene, one of Jai's descendants. That's why preserving the bloodline is our highest priority."
"None of this makes sense," Cassia murmured as they entered a massive, cathedral-like dome. The space lit up around them, ancient writing appearing in the air as if written by an invisible hand. The glowing particles arranged themselves into prophecies older than the empire itself.
"What is this sanctuary?" Cassia gasped.
Priya's expression softened. "Dr. Cassia, welcome to the hidden city of Key."
***
As predicted, with the destruction of House Unitas, the Friven Empire fell into four centuries of tyrannical darkness. Eventually, the population forgot there had ever been an eleventh house. Yet in the spaces where memories survive, a single prophecy remained: a promise of a golden age to come.
This sacred knowledge was not given to the powerful or the elite. Instead, it passed through the ancient teachings of the wise, nurtured by the exiled and protected by those with the courage to defy the empire.
***
Change of release date with apologies. If you have already pre-ordered this ebook direct, you do not have to do anything. The ebook will still be delivered to your inbox via Payhip & BookFunnel upon release.
Description
For centuries ten ruling Houses have governed the people of the Friven Empire. They have maintained order by brutal force, ensuring their place as ruling Elites. But things were not always this way. There was once another House. It held the balance of power, ensuring peace among the empire. Until its members vanished. Over time, people forgot they ever existed. The Elites thought they had eradicated all descendants of the bloodline.
They were wrong.
Aribeth Forraine, the last surviving member of the exiled Eleventh House, is about to rise from the ashes to claim her Kin Rite, and she's not alone. With her army of outcasts, she will bring the empire to its knees. Her first target is the cold-hearted emperor, Caleb the Black. The only problem is Caleb is not who he appears to be.
Content Warning: Brawny alpha males, and feisty heroines. Not suitable for people under 18. It contains mature content.
Sample Preview: The Eleventh House: Friven Empire Book 1 © 2025 Elina Emerald
PROLOGUE
8040 C.E. - Medic Station, Outer Quadrant, Friven Empire
Dr. Cassia Aureum was sorting medical supplies in her office when angry voices outside broke the quiet.
"I need to see Dr. Cassia. It's urgent," someone said desperately.
"No appointment, no entry," her assistant replied coldly. "Your people need to learn the rules."
"I won't waste time arguing with a bigot."
Through the translucent wall, Cassia saw a woman with dark skin and short black hair walking toward her door. Her regulation bodysuit under a special cloak marked her as a trainee from the Order of Seers.
Cassia opened the door. "Priya? What's wrong?"
"Mother Predictor sent me." Priya's eyes moved nervously. "We need to talk privately."
"Lady Aureum!" her assistant protested. "Rules say we can't treat her kind without appointments—"
"Make another insulting comment about my patients," Cassia interrupted, "and you'll be cleaning waste systems." She sealed the door and turned on the privacy shield. "What's so urgent?"
"Mother Predictor had a vision. Imperial soldiers are marching toward House Unitas. The death decree has been issued against Councilor Theon." Priya lowered her voice to a whisper. "I'm here to get you and your son to safety."
Cassia's heart pounded. "That's impossible. We're one of the eleven ruling houses. Death decrees are never issued against us."
"Mother's visions are never wrong. Your husband will be declared a traitor today. Imperial forces are already heading here with orders to kill on sight."
Cassia tried her communication device. No response. She tried again with encryption. Nothing. "The signal's being blocked."
"There's more. Any child carrying the electrum gene must be killed." Priya and Cassia glanced at baby Jai sleeping peacefully in his crib, his amber eyes with golden flecks hidden behind closed eyelids, the unmistakable mark of House Unitas.
Without hesitation, Cassia began packing supplies. An urgent alert on her communicator broke the tension.
"All hail the emperor," she answered.
"Cass, it's me."
Cassia's pulse quickened. "Theon, thank the suns. I've been trying to reach you."
"I don't have much time." His voice was strained. "Is Jai with you?"
"Yes. But Theon, there's someone here—"
"Listen carefully, sweetheart. You need to take Jai to our special place right now." Their code phrase for extreme danger.
Cassia's blood turned cold. "What's happening?"
"I accessed forbidden data in the archives..." Shouting erupted in the background, followed by weapon fire. His breathing became harsh. "Sweetheart, they've broken into my chamber. I love you and Jai more than life itself. Never forget that. Make sure to recharge his favorite toy."
"Theon! Wait... Theon!" Cassia whispered urgently.
A cold voice spoke in the background: "Councilor Theon, you have been deemed a traitor under the Rikali Act. You and all who carry the Unitas bloodline will be eliminated."
There were sounds of fighting, energy weapons firing, glass breaking, then Cassia heard Theon shout, "Run, Cass, run!" Then the connection died.
"Theon!" she screamed, losing all control.
Priya had already gathered the baby. "We must leave immediately."
Cassia shook, her mind breaking under the shock. "I don't understand. Why is this happening? I... I didn't get to tell him I loved him." Her voice cracked as panic threatened to overwhelm her.
Priya set down the baby carrier and gripped Cassia firmly by the shoulders. "Look at me," she commanded. "Councilor Theon is dead. The purge has begun. Your only concern now is making sure the Unitas bloodline survives." She checked her device and cursed. "I'm sorry to tell you, doctor, but imperial forces have killed nearly all House Unitas members. Their advance teams have reached this facility."
Cassia remembered Theon's final words about Jai's toy. She reached up to a shelf and grabbed what looked like a standard power cell. Opening it, a data crystal fell out. "Theon, what did you discover?" she whispered, clutching the crystal to her chest as she gathered her pack with supplies.
Heavy boots thundered outside. A voice demanded to know Dr. Cassia's location.
Priya pulled out a small weapon from under her cloak and aimed it at the far wall. The air shimmered as a portal appeared.
"You have a matter transporter?" Cassia asked in disbelief. "Non-citizens are forbidden from using such technology."
"This one was… borrowed. I've changed its signature and erased all tracking."
"But that's punishable by death."
"Then I'll make sure I'm never caught," Priya replied.
Soldiers began breaking through the door's security. Priya pulled Cassia and Jai through the portal just as it collapsed behind them. As they traveled, the atmosphere compressed around them, creating a vacuum sensation as freezing energy carried them through space.
They reappeared in a lush forest bathed in purple light. Crystal-like snow drifted from the sky toward an amazing mountain that disappeared into clouds.
Priya led them to an ancient gate made of rare metal. She typed in a sequence of codes and the gate swung open then sealed automatically behind them. A large door appeared in the crystal rock face. Priya raised her hand, tracing ancient symbols across the black surface. Glowing writing appeared across the wall, pulsing with inner light.
Priya spoke words in a language Cassia's translator couldn't understand. Before her eyes, the door dissolved, revealing an entry way to a vast underground city full of life and architecture unlike anything in imperial records.
"What is this place?" Cassia whispered, as they stepped through and descended a ramp.
"A sanctuary for the gifted non-citizens who preserve the ancient ways."
"Who are these gifted ones?" Cassia asked, her voice barely audible.
"The Faal, Berwaran, Ingenian, Zerloni, and Ethryan. This is where we nurture and protect the powers of Varu."
Cassia looked at the hidden city with growing wonder. "But practicing the old arts outside approved areas is punishable by death."
Priya made a dismissive sound. "Your empire makes laws we refuse to follow. Imperial citizens are forbidden here except for you and your son."
"Why make this exception?"
"Mother Predictor's vision revealed more than I first told you."
"What else did she see?" Cassia asked carefully, still reeling from shock yet unable to deny what was before her.
"She witnessed centuries of war, ending in the empire's fall and the beginning of a new age."
Cassia shook her head in disbelief. "That's impossible. The empire has existed since before recorded history, established when the three suns first aligned. What does this have to do with my family? With Theon?" Her voice broke as fresh tears ran down her cheeks.
"Mother saw the empire fall at the hands of someone bearing the electrum gene, one of Jai's descendants. That's why preserving the bloodline is our highest priority."
"None of this makes sense," Cassia murmured as they entered a massive, cathedral-like dome. The space lit up around them, ancient writing appearing in the air as if written by an invisible hand. The glowing particles arranged themselves into prophecies older than the empire itself.
"What is this sanctuary?" Cassia gasped.
Priya's expression softened. "Dr. Cassia, welcome to the hidden city of Key."
***
As predicted, with the destruction of House Unitas, the Friven Empire fell into four centuries of tyrannical darkness. Eventually, the population forgot there had ever been an eleventh house. Yet in the spaces where memories survive, a single prophecy remained: a promise of a golden age to come.
This sacred knowledge was not given to the powerful or the elite. Instead, it passed through the ancient teachings of the wise, nurtured by the exiled and protected by those with the courage to defy the empire.
***
